Retractable Lanyard for Securing Personal Multimedia Devices

ABSTRACT

A retractable lanyard assembly connects directly to the docking port of a personal multimedia device, eliminating the potential entanglement of the device via external connecting points, while protecting the docking port from foreign objects, dust, and moisture. The lanyard assembly can be secured to various static objects including a belt; thus, securing the personal multimedia devices to the owner and protecting it from theft, loss, or damage due to dropping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lanyards. More particularly, the present invention relates to the retractable connection of a lanyard to a personal multimedia device.

Today, cell phones do more than just place and receive calls. Advanced capabilities such as Internet access, email, video shooting and storage, photograph shooting and storage, and music playing and storage of today's multimedia smartphones are quickly making these devices highly coveted by non-owners and highly guarded by owners.

Small, lightweight, and expensive, it is advantageous to keep personal multimedia devices close to the owner, making it easier for the owner to access the device and protect it from loss, theft, or inadvertent damage due to dropping. A simple solution to prevent damage, loss, or theft of these devices has been the use of a lanyard.

Especially popular are Apple's® personal multimedia devices, such as the Iphone™ and the Ipod®. These devices are equipped with a port, by which the device can be connected to any number of external sources; for example, for charging or syncing of the device. A 30-pin dock connector is used to connect the multimedia device to an external resource. Since the port, that receives the 30-pin connector is how the multimedia device is linked to an external source both mechanically and electronically, it is extremely important to keep it clean, dry, and protected from inadvertent damage from foreign objects.

A known lanyard assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,304 involves the use of a two-part inter-locking housing that is permanently affixed to the multimedia device. Disadvantageously, this approach creates a point of interference where the electronic device can be caught or snagged, possibly resulting in damage to the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a retractable lanyard system attaches to a personal multimedia device via a dock connector; thus, eliminating all externally mounted connection assemblies on the multimedia device required by the prior art to receive the lanyard connection. Possible entanglement of the device via externally mounted connection assemblies, or connection points to the multimedia device are completely circumvented, and additionally, the port for receiving the 30-pin connector is kept clean, dray and protected from inadvertent damage.

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the of the lanyard assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the lanyard assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lanyard assembly;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the lanyard assembly about to engage a personal multimedia device;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the lanyard assembly engaged with a personal multimedia device;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the lanyard assembly engaged with a personal multimedia device wherein the lanyard is partially extended;

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the lanyard assembly engaged with a personal multimedia device wherein the lanyard is partially extended;

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the lanyard assembly engaged with a personal multimedia device wherein the lanyard is partially extended;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the lanyard assembly engaged with a personal multimedia device wherein the lanyard is partially extended; and

FIG. 10 is a front partial cut-away view of the housing of the lanyard assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the lanyard assembly 10 of the present invention is shown. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing 12. The housing 12 has a front convex surface 14, a back planar surface 16, a peripheral edge 18 a front beveled edge 17 and a back beveled edge 19.

The internal chamber of the cylindrical housing 12 is illustrated in FIG. 10. As is well know in the art, the internal chamber of the cylindrical housing 12 contains a self-winding reel 5 of which is wound a lanyard 30. One end of the lanyard 30 is connected to the reel periphery, while the free end terminates through the peripheral edge 18 of the housing in an attachment fixture 32. The self-winding reel 5 includes a spiral spring 7 which allows the lanyard 30 to be extended away from the housing 12 and rapidly retracted to the housing 12 upon its release. Although not illustrated, a locking mechanism to stop the self-winding reel 5, as is well know in the art is also housed within cylindrical housing 12.

For all embodiments described it this disclosure the exterior of housing 12 is cylindrical in shape as is common for reel or spool housings to reflect the cylindrical shape of the reel or spool they house. However, it is important to note that the exterior shape is not limited to cylindrical embodiments but instead could take any number of shapes depending on the desired aesthetic.

Looking a FIG. 3 a clip 20 with an open end 22 and a closed end 24 is affixed to the back surface 16 of housing 12. The clip 20 lies vertically along back surface 16 such that open end 22 resides above and parallel to lanyard 30 (See FIGS. 6-9). Clip 20 is formed of a single piece of spring steel bent to form a first leg 26 and a second parallel spaced leg 28. Clip 20 is affixed to back surface 16 via first leg 26. For all embodiments described herein clip 20 is affixed to back surface 16 of housing 12 mechanically or chemically. Second leg 28 is bent at open end 22 away from the housing 12 as to facilitate the passage of clip 20 over a static item, such as a belt.

Along peripheral edge 18 (FIG. 1) is an orifice (not visible) through which lanyard 30 exits housing 12 and terminates in first attachment fixture 32 (FIG. 4). First attachment fixture 32 is coupled to a second attachment fixture 34 on dock connector 36 via coupling ring 38. Second attachment fixture 34 is affixed to dock connector 36 mechanically or chemically. First attachment fixture 32 and second attachment fixture 34 are mechanically interconnected to form a swivel connection means. Although, depicted with the above described configuration (i.e., coupled via coupling ring 38), it is well known in the art that a plethora of equivalent swivel connection means may be substituted. Dock connector 36 is a 30-pin connector that is matingly engageable with the dock port 41 of most Apple® personal multimedia devices.

Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5 it can be seen that when the lanyard 30 is in its wound position, only the attachment fixture 32 is visible since almost the entire length of lanyard 30 is contained within housing 12, as it is wound around the self-winding reel. FIGS. 6-9 show the lanyard 30 in an extended position. Lanyard 30, is an inelastic steel wire wrapped in vinyl, which supports the weight of the personal multimedia device 65 and is 15-35 inches in length. The self-winding reel 5 located within housing 12 opposes the extension of lanyard 30 with such a force as to retract lanyard 30 to its wound position even when dock connector 36 is secured to a personal multimedia device as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Dock connector 36 is generally a rectangular prism with a front face 40 and a back face 42, a first side face 44, top face 46, and second side face 48 and bottom face 50 as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. First side face 44, top face 46, and second side face 48 appear as to form a continuous, rounded peripheral edge to dock connector 36. Residing on and flush with first side face 44 is a first engagement button 52. Residing on and flush with second side face 48 is a second engagement button 54. Protruding from, and generally perpendicular to top face 46 is second attachment fixture 34. Protruding from and generally perpendicular to bottom face 50, is a 30-pin assembly 56, which is well know in the art.

The 30-pin assembly includes a first retractable retention tab 58, and a second retractable retention tab 60. First retractable retention tab 58 is mechanically connected to first engagement button 52, and second retractable retention tab 60 is mechanically connected to second engagement button 54, such that when first engagement button 52 is depressed, first retractable retention tab 58 retracts into 30-pin assembly 56. Likewise, when second engagement button 54 is depressed second retractable retention tab 60 retracts into 30-pin assembly 56. Tabs 58 and 60 have an outward force constantly applied to them such that their resting position is with them extending perpendicularly from 30-pin assembly 56. When both tabs 58 and 60, are retracted, the sliding engagement of the 30-pin assembly 56 with dock port 41 is possible. Although not illustrated, dock port 41 contains a comb which matingly engages 30-pin assembly 56, making the connection more rigid, as well as making the electrical connection with other external resources possible. Once 30-pin assembly 56 is completely inserted within dock port 41, both first and second engagement buttons 52 and 54 can be deployed within dock port 41, mechanically securing the personal multimedia device 65 to the lanyard assembly, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, by releasing the pressure on first and second engagement buttons 52 and 54.

FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment of this invention, where open end 22 of clip 20 resides generally parallel to lanyard 30, when lanyard 30 is extended (pulled) down from housing 12. In operation, open end 22 would be placed over a static object, a belt for example (that is, while an individual is wearing the belt), such that convex surface 14 faces away from the individual wearing the belt. The 30-pin assembly 56 of dock connector 36 is now ready to be secured to personal multimedia device 65 by depressing first and second engagement buttons 52 and 54, completely inserting 30-pin assembly 56 into dock port 41 of multimedia device 65 such that bottom face 50 of dock connector 36 resides flush with multimedia device 65. Once bottom face 50 of dock connector 36 resides flush with multimedia device 65, first and second engagement buttons 52 and 54 can be released. Personal multimedia device 65 is now secured to an individual. Once secured, the individual is free to move around and the multimedia device simply hangs from the individual's belt.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of lanyard assembly 10 in which open end 22 of clip 20 resides generally perpendicular to lanyard 30, when lanyard 30 is extended (pulled) down from housing 12. This embodiment would be well suited for securing the lanyard assembly 10 to a belt loop, for example.

FIG. 9 is a second alternate embodiment of lanyard assembly 10 in which clip 20 is replaced with enclosed stainless steel loop 23. This embodiment is ideal for secure attachment of lanyard assembly 10 around a belt. The non-buckle end of a belt is simply slid through loop 23. The belt is then buckled around the wearer's waist and the lanyard assembly is securely fastened to the wearer via his/her belt. 

1. A lanyard assembly comprising: a housing defining an interior chamber; a self-winding reel disposed within said internal chamber; a lanyard having a first end connected to said reel and a second end terminating in a first attachment fixture outside said housing; a second attachment fixture; a coupling ring interconnecting said first attachment fixture with said second attachment fixture; a dock connector affixed to said second attachment fixture; and a clip affixed to said housing.
 2. The lanyard assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing is further comprises: a front surface; a back surface; and a peripheral edge, wherein said clip is affixed to said back planar surface.
 3. The lanyard assembly of claim 2 wherein said clip further comprises; an open end; a closed end; a first leg; and a second leg, wherein said first leg is affixed to said back planar surface and wherein said second leg resides parallel to said first leg.
 4. The lanyard assembly of claim 1 wherein said dock connector is generally a rectangular prism and further comprises; a front face; a back face; a first side face; a second side face; a top face; a bottom face; a first engagement button; a second engagement button; a 30-pin assembly; a first retractable retention tab; and a second retractable retention tab.
 5. The lanyard assembly of claim 4 wherein said first engagement button resides on said first side face and wherein said second engagement button resides on said second side face.
 6. The lanyard assembly of claim 5 wherein said 30 pin assembly protrudes generally perpendicularly from said bottom face of said dock connector, and wherein said first retractable retention tab and said second retractable retention tab extend normally from said 30 pin assembly.
 7. The lanyard assembly of claim 6 wherein said first engagement button corresponds to said first retractable retention tab such that when first engagement button is depressed, said first retractable retention tab retracts; and wherein said second engagement button corresponds to said second retractable retention tab such that when said engagement button is depressed, said second retractable retention tab retracts.
 8. A lanyard assembly comprising: a housing, comprising a front surface, a back surface, and a peripheral edge, defining an interior chamber, wherein a self-winding reel is disposed within said internal chamber; a lanyard having a first end connected to said reel and a second end terminating in a first attachment fixture outside said housing, wherein said first attachment fixture resides perpendicular to said peripheral edge; a second attachment fixture; a swivel means connecting said first attachment fixture with said second attachment fixture; a dock connector affixed to said second attachment fixture comprising a front face, a back face, a first side face, a second side face, a top face, a bottom face, a first engagement button, a second engagement button, a 30-pin assembly, a first retractable retention tab, and a second retractable retention tab, wherein said first engagement button resides on said first side face and said second engagement button resides on said second side face, and wherein said 30-pin assembly protrudes generally perpendicularly from said bottom face of said dock connector, and wherein said first retractable retention tab and said second retractable retention tab extend normally from said 30-pin assembly; and a clip comprising an open end, a closed end, a first leg, and a second leg, wherein said first leg is affixed to said back planar surface and wherein said second leg resides parallel to said first leg, and wherein said second leg is partially bent at said open end away from said first leg.
 9. The lanyard assembly of claim 8 wherein said swivel means is a coupling ring.
 10. The lanyard assembly of claim 8 wherein said lanyard is composed of a flexible steel coated in plastic.
 11. The lanyard assembly of claim 8 wherein said lanyard is between 15-35 inches in length.
 12. The lanyard assembly of claim 10 wherein said lanyard is between 15-35 inches in length.
 13. The lanyard assembly of claim 9 wherein said clip is comprised of spring steel.
 14. The lanyard assembly of claim 9 wherein said open end of said clip resides parallel to said first attachment fixture.
 15. The lanyard assembly of claim 9 wherein said open end of said clip resides perpendicular to said first attachment fixture.
 16. A lanyard assembly comprising: a cylindrical housing, comprising a front convex surface, a back planar surface, a peripheral edge, a front beveled edge, and a back beveled edge defining an interior chamber, wherein a self-winding reel is disposed within said internal chamber; a lanyard having a first end connected to said reel and a second end terminating in a first attachment fixture outside said housing, and a length of 15-35 inches, wherein said first attachment fixture resides perpendicular to said peripheral edge; a second attachment fixture; a swivel means interconnecting said first attachment fixture with said second attachment fixture; a dock connector affixed to said second attachment fixture comprising a front face, a back face, a first side face, a second side face, a top face, a bottom face, a first engagement button, a second engagement button, a 30-pin assembly, a first retractable retention tab, and a second retractable retention tab, wherein said first engagement button resides on said first side face and said second engagement button resides on said second side face, and wherein said 30-pin assembly protrudes generally perpendicularly from said bottom face of said dock connector, and wherein said first retractable retention tab and said second retractable retention tab extend normally from said 30-pin assembly; and a loop affixed to said back planar surface of said cylindrical housing for secure attachment to a static element.
 17. A lanyard assembly of claim 16 wherein said swivel means is a coupling ring.
 18. The lanyard assembly of claim 17 wherein said loop is comprised of spring steel. 